Lions Tour 2021: How the British and Irish Lions rated in the victory over South Africa in the first Test
The tourists trailed for most of the match but finished the game stronger and can now clinch the series with a victory in the second Test next Saturday.
Here’s how the Lions players rated at the Cape Town Stadium:
1. Rory Sutherland
The Scotland loosehead was a late inclusion in the starting XV after Wyn Jones was ruled out with a shoulder injury. Sutherland was solid in the scrum and gave a good account of himself. 8/10 Photo: David Rogers/Getty Images
2. Luke Cowan-Dickie
The hooker made a telling contribution, scoring the Lions’ only try and delivering with pinpoint accuracy at the lineout. 8/10 Photo: Steve Haag/PA Wire
3. Tadhg Furlong
Rose to the occasion magnificently, besting both of South Africa’s looseheads, Ox Nche and Steven Kitshoff. 9/10 Photo: David Rogers/Getty Images
4. Maro Itoje
An immense performance from the lock. Almost single-handedly kept the Lions in the hunt with his crucial first-half turnovers. 9/10 Photo: David Rogers/Getty Images